The clean girl is dead. So much so that when the Pantone Colour of 2026 was revealed last year, it felt like a recession indicator for some. A strange, alienating push in the dark—one that didn’t feel true to our current sensibilities. In a world that is as uncertain as it is now, there is less of a want for the controlled, hyper minimalist codes of the lofty white Cloud Dancer. Instead, the beauty industry has been desperate for colour and chaos to show up everywhere again—and reflect how we’re all feeling.
We are, after all, in a season when authenticity matters. Everyone wants to know what makes them different, not what makes them blend in. Micro trends are out, and personal style is in. “The irony is that clean girl make-up was, for a long time, used to perform authenticity. Of late, that has changed. Individuality and self-expression through beauty is resurfacing,” offers professional make-up artist Kenneth Chia.
Like Zara Larsson, who is bathed in her streaks of embellished glitters and her swathes of neon, courtesy of Sophia Sinot. And she’s not the only one bringing those vivacious, neon hues back for another run under the sun. We most recently saw the desire reflected on the spring/summer 2026 runways, with brands like Kiko Kostadinov and Thom Browne casually giving focus to one facial element, be it with two-toned peepers or fuschia-toned mascara respectively.
Hence, there’s no better time than now, to re-introduce colour—preferably a brilliant, vivid neon—into your own make-up looks. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn’t even have to be too wild, or audacious, to make it stick. All you need is that little bit of bravados. Below, peruse some one-and-done tips to incorporate more neon brights into your daily regime, according to a MUA.
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Blush blindness, who?
“The easiest way is to take advantage of our blush obsession, and incorporating brighter hues. Tan or deeper skin tones can really dial up the bright fuschias, and fairer skin tones can swap beige blush for touch of cool-toned barbie pinks,” says Chia.
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Best in moderation
“Believe it or not: Neon brights on the eyes look best in moderation. Try the inner corner; ensure your neon colours are laid on top of a matte base in corresponding colour. For example, a neon green pressed on top of a matte green cream for maximum saturation,” he adds.
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Tightlining, bur make it pop
“Consider a bright pop in the waterline. After doing your usual routine, finish off with a cobalt or cornflower blue in the waterline, where you would normally tightline. This works especially well across both fair and deeper skin tones,” concludes Chia.
